Bracknell Colts hosted Beaconsfield Colts in the 2nd round of the National Colts Cup on a wonderful pitch basked in full sun on what proved to be perfect conditions for a great game of rugby. Under an air of excitement and anticipation the game kicked off and both sides exchanged early blows as the teams sized each other up.
Bracknell were quickly caught on the back foot with some good interplay from Beaconsfield who managed to power their way home scoring an unconverted try in the corner. Bracknell’s captain's team talk targeted the need to keep calm, forget about the score and go again focusing on Bracknell’s game and not theirs.
Bracknell started the re-take with intent and after consorted efforts and good back and forward interplay Dave powered over with commitment to score Bracknell’s first try. Fin stepped up to convert having won Bracknell’s 1st round cup match with the last kick of the game to blast the ball over making it 7 – 5 to Bracknell.
Bracknell with their tails up started to push Beaconsfield and concerted pressure led to Bracknell being camped in their 22, in front of the clubhouse. After more pressure and charge down by Ben aka ‘Hoops’, Bracknell scored again. Fin and his howitzer of a boot missed the conversion, but this was partly down to the fact that his groin was starting to go from his imperious kicking.
More Bracknell pressure resulted in a penalty which Fin duly converted making it 15 - 5. Bracknell started to apply more and more pressure, which Beaconsfield fought hard to disrupt but some superb back play resulted in Harrison dotting down in front of the clubhouse and pushing as close to the posts as possible to assure a more achievable conversion, which Louis duly converted making it 22 - 5 at the end of half time.
Bracknell pushed further and harder and with some great interplay and movement out in the backs allowed Harvey the space to dot down in the corner for 27 - 5. Further sustained pressure resulted in a penalty in an area which Louis couldn’t resist going for goal making it 30 - 5.
More Bracknell pressure resulted in a turnover which put Harrison in a position to open his legs and drive home for the try, although momentarily, he thought he was going to be caught but putting on the afterburners he surged away to score his second try, which Louis converted making it 37 - 5.
Beaconsfield bit back hard and found their straps and managed to force a mismatch and dot down in the corner, failing to concert. The final score read 37 – 10, which was very pleasing for Bracknell.
The entire Bracknell squad stepped up to be counted and every substitution made did not dimmish the quality of performance.
Special mentions go to Louis at 10, who controlled everything with aplomb, Fin who at fullback moved the point of attack superbly well and kicked everything he could whilst his groin held. Oski who smashed everyone that moved, Zach who folded his opposite number; Elliot, Drew, Liam and Ollie who all smashed everyone they could. A great day at the office for the team.
A special thanks to Beaconsfield for their attitude, rugby values and commitment to making it a fiercely contested game, we look forward to meeting Beaconsfield again in the OBB.

by Taran (Tubs) Barrington